Nurturing the Soul of Social Work: The Dual Advocate’s Journey

In my eleven-year odyssey within the realm of social work, I’ve come to realize that this noble profession demands donning multiple hats and embracing a vast skill set. Advocacy, standing tall among these skills, has become the heartbeat of social work, echoing through our commitment to be the voice for clients, agencies, and the winds of social change.

As social workers, we navigate the intricate landscapes of our clients’ lives, often confronting daily doses of secondary traumatization and grappling with burnout’s looming shadow. Amidst this whirlwind, the most crucial advocacy role unfolds within us—we must find and amplify our own voices, advocating for our needs and embracing self-care to sustain the flame that fuels our passion for this work.

In the early years of my journey, I wrestled with the weight of responsibilities, my plate overflowing with the demands of the profession. It became all too easy to relegate self-care—a fundamental responsibility—to the sidelines. Yet, as Maya Angelou wisely said, “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side.” To be effective advocates for others, we must champion our own well-being.

The delicate dance between client care and personal growth demands mastery, urging us to prioritize self-advocacy. Like a symphony, self-care takes many forms—whether it’s stepping away for a rejuvenating lunch, embracing yoga, or boldly requesting clinical supervision and support from our agencies. Our needs are as diverse as the people we serve and recognizing them is an act of strength and self-awareness.

In the tapestry of social work, self-care and self-advocacy are threads that weave a resilient fabric. We must not shy away from expressing our needs, for this vulnerability breeds strength. Peer support groups, both formal and informal, stand as pillars, offering sounding boards and solidarity. The specifics may vary, but the universal truth remains—we must invest in ourselves to deliver the best possible care to our clients.

In the face of demanding workloads, dedicated professionals may feel the pull between client needs and self-care. Yet, the essence of our profession lies in safeguarding our well-being. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with supportive individuals and agencies that share the values of self-care. It is this symbiosis that fuels the continual replenishment of my skills and capital in this field.

Now, as a proud advocate for social workers within the SWEET Institute, I’ve found a sanctuary that echoes my values. SWEET stands as a beacon, providing a safe space for social workers and helping professionals to receive the support they both need and deserve. In embracing this newfound resource, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of Sam Levenson: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.”

Jennifer Zinter, armed with a bachelor’s in psychology from York College of Pennsylvania and a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, has traversed diverse roles in the behavioral health field. With licensure in three states, her journey encompasses crisis response, forensic social work, team leadership, and intensive community-based interventions. A certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid, her passion lies in trauma-informed practices, forensics, military social work, and elevating the profession through supervision, training, and education.